Lance Cpt. Nick Daniels, 25, died Nov. 5 while conducting combat operations, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Defense. He was assigned to 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

Honoring a Fallen Marine

Rob speaks with the parents of a Marine who died in Iraq in 2004. Find out how you can help veterans today. (Published Friday, Mar 8, 2013)

Daniels graduated from St. Patrick high school in 2004 and was an all-conference football player, returning a few years after graduation as an assistant coach.

About 500 vehicles, including 200 police cars, made up the funeral procession which went past his alma mater where students held flags showing their respect to the Marine. Daniels brother is a senior at the school.

Honoring Chicagoland's Fallen Heroes

"He was a man of great laughter and emotion but also passion -- not just for sports but for his spirituality," St. Patricks campus minister Richard Raho said.

Daniels service awards include the Purple Heart, combat action ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

He's survived by his two parents, two brothers, a sister and his fiance Katie O'Neill.

In lieu of flowers, the family urges donatins to go to Operation Support Our Troops America, OSOTAmerica.org, in Daniel's name.